Principal Auditor (AUGD AGS 8)

JOB PURPOSE

This position is responsible for managing the execution of Financial Statements audits of assigned Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Statutory and Public Bodies to ensure that a reasonable opinion can be formed on the entities’ financial statements and their compliance with the applicable legislation and regulations in the achievement of the AuGD’s mandate. 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• Confidentiality 
• Integrity 
• Fairness 
• Accountability 
• Transparency

CENTRAL LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

• The Jamaican (Constitution) Order in Council (Act), 1962
• Financial Administration & Audit Act, 2011 
• Financial Administration & Audit (Amendment) Act, 2016
• Public Bodies Management & Accountability Act, 2001 

KEY OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES:

Financial Statements Audits conducted

• Unit Work Plan prepared and executed. 
• Risk-based audit plans and Reports completed.
• Stakeholders engaged. 
• Audit team briefed and despatched. 
• Financial Statements audited. 
• Progress of audits monitored and communicated.
• Working Papers reviewed 
• Draft Annual Reports/queries reviewed. 
• Performance/Progress Reports submitted. 
• Quarterly/Monthly performance report prepared.
• PAC Briefs prepared. 
• Signed statutory/regulatory correspondence.

Skilled, competent & productive staff

• AuGD core values entrenched. 
• Succession & Capacity Development Plans supported.
• PMAS used to streamline deliverables. 
• Staff responsive to priority work programmes. 
• Staff welfare managed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Management/Administration 

• Participates in the strategic planning process. 
• Participates in the development, guides and monitors the implementation of the operational plan, recommends changes where necessary to achieve established unit/section objectives. 
• Monitors implementation of approved policies and procedures and ensures staff compliance. 
• Represents the Auditor General at conferences, meetings and other fora, as required. 
• Prepares and submits routine and special reports, as required. 
• Monitors the audit delivery processes being delivered by staff at outstations. 

Technical/Professional 

• Directs financial statements audits to determine whether they represent a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the audited entity and are prepared in keeping with the financial reporting framework. 
• Leads the design of audit plans prepared by Direct Reports and reviews such plans to ensure compliance with ISSAIs. 
• Provide oversight and direction to the audit team in the execution of fieldwork to the requisite standards. 
• Reviews working papers, finalizes draft reports and queries submitted by Direct Reports in accordance with ISSAIs and AuGD’s Guidelines and provide technical support, as required. 
• Keeps abreast of international auditing and accounting standards and makes recommendations for adoption by the Department where applicable. 
• Disseminates financial statements, quality control guidelines to staff within agreed timeframe. 
• Provides technical support to the Performance Audit Unit. 
• Liaises with officers within audited entities to share information and provide technical support.
• Participates in the development of audit policies and procedures. 
• Attends and provides technical support at the Public Accounts Committee meetings, as required. 
• Designs and delivers staff training sessions. 
• Receives and acknowledges statutory/regulatory and human resource correspondence. 

People Management 

• Provides leadership to staff through leading by example, effective delegation and communication. 
• Oversees the development of Individual Work Plans for staff in the unit. 
• Manages staff performance through monitoring, coaching, mentoring, training, feedback and ensure that performance evaluation reports are duly completed within stipulated timeframe. 
• Identifies and addresses training and other needs of staff within the Unit. 
• Ensures adherence to the policies, procedures, and regulations of the Department. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs other related duties that may be assigned. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Engagement Letters and Audit Planning Reports submitted within agreed timeframe and according to established standards. 
• Operational, Unit, and Individual Work plans are completed to standard and within the specified timeframe. 
• Audit field work reviewed and monitored in keeping with audit plan and established standards. 
• Working papers are completed in accordance with established standards and agreed timeframe.
• Audited financial statements meet the quality control guidelines and completed within agreed timeframe. 
• Reports, queries, training material and correspondences are prepared in accordance with established standards and agreed timeframe. 
• Audits are completed in accordance with agreed standards and timeframe. 
• Performance Appraisals are completed in accordance with the agreed standards and timeframe.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership & Strategic Planning
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Respects Diversity
• Professionalism
• Financial auditing concepts and techniques 
• Emotional Intelligence
• Technical & Business Knowledge
• Planning & Organizing
• Results Orientation 
• Risk Analysis & Mitigation
• Delegation
• Accuracy 
• Effective Communication
• Teamwork & Collaboration 
• Time Management

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Management Studies with Accounting from a recognized university. ACCA Professional or CPA. 
• 5-10 years auditing experience in private or public sector at a supervisory/management level. 
• Experience in international accounting and auditing standards (such as IFRS, IPSAS, ISA/ISSAI etc.). 
• Proficiency in the use of basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, such as Microsoft Office suite, is essential. Experience using CaseWare Working Papers would be an asset.
• Training or certification in Project Management would be an asset. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Typical Office environment. 
• Occasional exposure to adverse working conditions. 
• Unusual working hours. 
• Performing duties while under pressure.
• Local and international travels from time to time. 
• Performing multiple tasks at the same time. 
• Working with multiple teams. 

AUTHORITY

• Recommends amendments to audit policies and procedures.
• Signs off on Audit working papers. 
• Signs audit reports. 
• Recommends audit actions. 
• Recommends the revision or implementation of internal controls. 
• Recommends leave, disciplinary and promotion of direct reports in keeping with established human resource policies.